I cleared both the engineering and medical entrance tests, I could have got admission to very good colleges but this was what I opted for. I will never leave the army. This is the life I want. I have a younger brother who is in the Merchant Navy.
When I go back home, I am made to feel like a hero. The respect that you get in the forces, you get nowhere else. There is also a lack of knowledge — when you say ‘defence’ people usually think you hold a rifle and go to the border. It is much more than that.
I want to join the infantry — like the Maratha Light Infantry. I have seen good officers from this regiment and would like to learn from them. My first posting will be in the field area. I would also like to serve on the Rajasthan border and in Siachen. Few know what soldiers go through in Saichen. It is a very tough tenure.
If you think about the dangers in this profession, I believe that there is risk everywhere. It is better to take risks here than anywhere else.
I like officers who can convince you with the power of their words. I am in my final term at the Academy and will miss my instructors when I leave after my passing out parade in May.
I will miss my squadron most. My squadron is called Mike. When I arrived here, I was told there are 15 squadrons in the academy and ‘one is Mike.’ I will remember that with a smile.
The Indian Army is the second largest army in the world. Even though it is short of 11,000 officers, we should be proud of it. We have every reason to be.
Source: rediff.com
